Firearm training system and method utilizing distributed stimulus projection

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are disclosed herein to improve efficiency and effectiveness in firearms and tactical training, at least in part by selectively generating images onto external target elements. One or more portable devices are selectively mounted with respect to selected ones of the external target elements, which may be fixed in position or mobile as the application demands. Each device includes a housing accommodating and configured for optical projection of light from an array of laser sources and diffractive optical elements. A device controller directs the projection of light from one or more of the laser sources according to a programmed target stimulus arrangement. The device controller may be individually and manually programmed or commanded in some embodiments, but alternatively a master controller may be implemented to coordinate light projections from an array of devices to provide any number of desired scenarios for neurological and/or physiological stimulation of users.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/965,575, filed Jan. 24, 2020, and which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patentdisclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to firearm training systems andmethods. More particularly, an embodiment of an invention as disclosedherein relates to devices which can be implemented alone or inconfigurable groups to project images for scenario generation withrespect to firearm targets.

One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the specificrequirements during events which require the application of clinicaluse-of-force skills (including deadly force and the use of firearms) canchange based on an almost unlimited number of variables. These rangefrom terrain features and numbers of adversaries to the actions ofnon-involved bystanders and the types of tools available to the peopleinvolved. However, the neurological processes involved in the lead-upto, application of, and aftermath of use-of-force incidents arerelatively consistent and therefore also predictable with a degree ofaccuracy that reasonably facilitates the design of supportive trainingtechnologies and methods.

Accordingly, certain brain functions may generally encompass many, ifnot most, applications of force, including but not limited to lethalforce. Outlier situations undoubtedly occur, but a desirable or evenprimary objective within the context of developing training systems asdisclosed herein may be developing the neurological and physicalfunctions that are predictably required during real-world clinical skillperformance.

Numerous training objectives, methods and technologies are presently inexistence, including for example video-based simulators, the use ofshot-timers during both live-fire and dry-fire training, the use ofaudible stimuli to define what targets a student should engage during atraining evolution, the use of turning targets, and force-on-forcetraining, among others. Each of these examples have their owncapabilities, but also can have limited or even negative effects wheneither used improperly or when used exclusively as a training method,and none of the training and qualification methods commonly used in thefirearms industry today are capable of functionally engaging the sameneurological and physiological mechanisms required during a real-worldapplication of deadly force within the parameters necessary foreffective operational performance development.

For example, one limitation common to most existing training systems,even those that facilitate the presence of dynamic, reactive stimuli, isthat they are limited in their ability to exercise or requiresituational awareness on the part of the trainee. In most cases,facility and/or equipment restraints limit the stimuli presented to asingle direction (downrange or otherwise in a predetermined directionwhere a screen or other projection surface is present). Most trainingsystems and methods today (with the notable exception of force-on-forcetraining) accordingly fail with respect to their ability to provide aspatial awareness component to scene layout, context, and situationalawareness. Even very advanced, expensive simulators that facilitatemulti-directional environments and response to dynamic stimuli in thesesettings do not possess the capacity, at a neurological level, ofestablishing the foundational spatial components of situationalawareness.

One of skill in the art may appreciate that while a necessary andjustified decision to apply any level of force, including deadly force,is typically cumulative, it is almost always a visual stimulus uponwhich the decision to “flip the switch” hinges. In most use-of-forceparadigms a decision to apply deadly force relates directly to imminentdanger of death or serious bodily harm. A threat alone is insufficient,as is a theoretical or future potential for danger. It must be real andimminent danger. Before someone can be aware that this is the case (atleast outside of very close contact ranges), a visual stimulus willalmost always be both involved and the single deciding factor that maybe referred to further herein as the “determinative stimulus.” Thedeterminative stimulus which leads to the decision to apply deadly forcewill typically involve two distinctive visual system input andprocessing systems, namely, object recognition and motion detection.

The fundamentals of connectionist, cognitive-infrastructure-basedlearning theory indicate that development and improvement (i.e.,learning) occurs most effectively and (just as importantly in anengineered training context) most predictably and controllably, throughrepetitive use of the relevant neural circuitry. Therefore, at a systemslevel, preparing for (learning for) a use-of-force encounter is,neurologically, a matter of creating an efficient brain map thatcorresponds to the brain map requirements of the encounter itself. Thiscapacity, then, should be considered one of the most significant factorsrelevant to a training system's ability to prepare students forsuccessful operational outcomes.

The training tools and methods that are in predominant use throughoutthe training industry are either incapable of activating the full brainmap relevant to deadly force encounters or make it impractical for anyone student to reasonably perform the number of repetitions over timenecessary to functionally develop the applicable brain map(s) forsuccessful critical incident performance. Because of this, preparingstudents for successful outcomes is extraordinarily difficult. It isalso rarely predictable or consistent in terms of results, at leastoutside of high-attrition, high-resource training environments such asthose involved in the selection and training for elite units.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an accessible,cost-effective, and scalable tool for the firearms and tactical trainingindustry that does facilitate high-repetition stimulation of, use of,development of, and enhancement of the relevant brain maps foruse-of-force encounters.

Another significant limitation with respect to existing training toolsand settings, including many applications of force-on-force training, isthe limited or non-existent options for personal mobility by the user.Even in the most advanced, and expensive, video simulators that produce360-degree environments and three-dimensional video or graphics, visualsare still projected on flat, immobile surfaces. Nevertheless, in manyreal-world tactical environments, terrain and situation-based mobilitybefore, during, and after application of force has the potential to beone of the most, if not the most, important and consequential factorrelated to a successful outcome.

Accordingly, it would further be desirable to provide a system with thecapacity to develop a user's ability to move and maneuver to takeadvantage of environment and terrain.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An exemplary system as disclosed herein uses low-powered lasers anddiffractive optical elements (DOE's) to project simple images ontoexisting targetry systems (e.g., cardboard or steel) within alreadyexisting training environments, theoretically producing at least theminimal stimulation required to activate the relevant components of thehuman visual system, including both the object recognition and motiondetection neural circuitry. In practice, the systems and methods mayimplement a minimal visual stimulus to activate motion detection andobject recognition circuitry and processing, the ability to stimulatecontextual, declarative memory (cognitive), and decision-makingprocessing centers, the ability to generate dynamic stimuli that allowflowing up and down use of force levels, and indoor/outdoor, all-weathercapability. Exemplary systems and methods as disclosed herein may beused on a shooting range, not just in special rooms or on special lanes.

This capability may be packaged in a device (alone or as networked in anarray of, e.g., up to 100 devices) that can be easily deployed to createdynamic, 360-degree, three-dimensional extended reality trainingenvironments. This, in turn, facilitates the creation of dynamic scenesand contexts around which decisions can be made and resulting tacticalaction taken in response to specific stimuli.

The relative minimalism of the disclosed projections allows the visualstimuli to be both determinative and deterministic. The presence ordisappearance of a visual stimulus can be precisely established in aforensic timeline. When combined with shooter analysis and performancetracking tools, e.g., integrating an audio input on the device itselflike a shot timer and an optional sensor array (audio input andaccelerometer for dual inputs/fewer false positives) that may be wristor weapon mounted, system users may be enabled to measure shooterresponses and performance in heretofore unknown ways. Further,information processing and decision-making times may subsequently beincluded in performance measurement and qualification.

Another advantage of the aforementioned features is the potentialability to measure the time to de-escalation of application of deadlyforce (and train people to do it). In other words, systems and methodsas disclosed herein may be configured such that every use of force (orother application of a clinical tactical skill) requires not only adecision to perform the skill based on evaluation of context and dynamicstimuli, it also requires a decision to de-escalate force, or stopperforming the skill, based on the continued dynamics of the presentedstimuli and context.

The minimalist approach also provides a technological advantage due tothe relatively small information transmission requirements. Unlikevideo, for example, each recorded and transmitted event in varioussystems and methods as disclosed herein may be limited to “on/off”,“timestamp”, “device ID”, and the like, wherein a great deal ofcomplexity may be available in concert with a very low data signature.Accordingly, the emphasis is on extended reality rather than virtualreality or augmented reality in order to facilitate easy, low-resourceinclusion of critical real-world factors.

In addition, while video projection is limited to flat screens in dimlylit areas, minimalist projection methods as disclosed herein can workeffectively outdoors and in daylight environments (although directsunlight is still a performance-limiting factor when using commerciallyviable, FDA-compliant lasers), as well as on three-dimensional objectsand surfaces covered by multi-colored scenery, clothing, accessories,and the like.

In an embodiment, an exemplary firearm training system as disclosedherein may be implemented for selectively generating images ontoexternal target elements. One or more portable devices are selectivelymounted with respect to selected ones of the external target elements.Each device comprises a housing accommodating and configured for opticalprojection of light from one or more laser sources and one or morediffractive optical elements, and a device controller which directs theprojection of light from one or more of the one or more laser sourcesaccording to a programmed target stimulus arrangement.

In an exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, the systemmay further include a master controller communicatively linked to theone or more portable devices, and configured to transmit the targetstimulus arrangement thereto.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, aplurality of portable devices defines an array, with each of theportable devices identified as a component of the programmed targetstimulus arrangement and configured to direct the projection of lightaccordingly.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, themaster controller may selectively link to one or more of a plurality ofportable devices associated with a defined target area, and furtherselectively transmit the target stimulus arrangement to the linkedportable devices.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, themaster controller is responsive to user selection of a target projectionsetting having one or more required projection components to link to oneor more of the plurality of available portable devices in associationwith the target projection setting.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, themaster controller identifies an available one or more of the pluralityof portable devices, and further selects one or more of the availableone or more portable devices based at least in part on requiredprojection components of the target stimulus arrangement.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, the oneor more portable devices further comprise one or more audio outputs(e.g., buzzers, sirens, chirps), and the respective device controllersdirect the projection of light from one or more of the one or more lasersources and of audible signals from the audio outputs according to theprogrammed target stimulus arrangement. The portable devices may furthercomprise one or more sensors each having a microphone and anaccelerometer and communicatively linked to the master controller,wherein the master controller determines user performance at leastpartially by correlating audio outputs and optically projected lightaccording to the programmed target stimulus arrangement with audioinputs corresponding to a particular firearm.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, themaster controller may dynamically modify the programmed target stimulusarrangement upon comparing the determined user performance with one ormore target parameters associated with the user performance.

In another exemplary aspect of the above-referenced embodiment, themaster controller may comprise a user interface which displays indiciacorresponding to the determined user performance, and further enablesuser selection of one or more modifications to the programmed targetstimulus arrangement based on the determined user performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of a system asdisclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram representing the embodiment of FIG. 1 , with thedevices configured with diffractive optical elements for shapeprojection.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary portable device accordingthe embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram representing an exemplary implementation of multipledevices for image projection on respective targets, in accordance withthe system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram representing the exemplary implementation of FIG. 4, further having various arrays of devices assigned to respective groupsfor scenario generation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram representing the exemplary implementation of FIG. 4, further having sensor arrays for shooter isolation.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an exemplary laser emitter module housingaccording to the device of FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 8A and 8B are isometric views of an exemplary diffractive opticalelement housing according to the device of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional diagram of an exemplary diffractive opticalelement according to the device of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of an exemplary laser emitter moduleaccording to the device of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 10B is an isometric view of an exemplary laser emitter moduleaccording to the device of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram representing a shape projection generated by thedevice of FIG. 3 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-11 , various exemplary embodiments of aninvention may now be described in detail. Where the various figures maydescribe embodiments sharing various common elements and features withother embodiments, similar elements and features are given the samereference numerals and redundant description thereof may be omittedbelow.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take atleast the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the contextdictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarilylimit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms.The meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” may include plural references, andthe meaning of “in” may include “in” and “on.” The phrase “in oneembodiment,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment, although it may.

The terms “controller,” “control circuit” and “control circuitry” asused herein may refer to, be embodied by or otherwise included within amachine, such as a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed and programmed to perform or cause theperformance of the functions described herein. A general-purposeprocessor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processorcan be a microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, orthe like. A processor can also be implemented as a combination ofcomputing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, aplurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunctionwith a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

Various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm stepsdescribed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can beimplemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinationsof both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware andsoftware, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and stepshave been described above generally in terms of their functionality.Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or softwaredepends upon the particular application and design constraints imposedon the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the disclosure.

The steps of a method, process, or algorithm described in connectionwith the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly inhardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in acombination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory,flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, harddisk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readablemedium known in the art. An exemplary computer-readable medium can becoupled to the processor such that the processor can read informationfrom, and write information to, the memory/storage medium. In thealternative, the medium can be integral to the processor. The processorand the medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a userterminal. In the alternative, the processor and the medium can reside asdiscrete components in a user terminal.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment.

The term “communications network” as used herein with respect to datacommunication between two or more parties or otherwise betweencommunications network interfaces associated with two or more partiesmay refer to any one of, or a combination of any two or more of,telecommunications networks (whether wired, wireless, cellular or thelike), a global network such as the Internet, local networks, networklinks, Internet Service Providers (ISP's), and intermediatecommunication interfaces.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of a system 100 asdisclosed herein may include at least one device 120 configured to emitlight signals 122 which project desired images on a specified target140. The devices accordingly include at least one light source 123 suchas for example a laser emitter housed within an apparatus 132 asrepresented for example in FIG. 7 . The light sources may bemulti-colored. Exemplary embodiments of the light source are shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B. The light source as shown in FIG. 10A being a modelVLM-635-4.5 mW-BS laser produced by Infiniter and the light source asshown in FIG. 10B being a model VLM-520-4.5 mW-BS laser also produced byInfiniter.

The device of FIG. 1 projects laser dots via the light signals 122,which may for example be color-coded or optionally modulated in output(e.g., blinking, producing varying luminance) to activate visual motiondetection in users. The light signals 122 may also be referred to hereinas laser sources 122.

In some embodiments, the light signals 122 may produce projections usinga traditional visible light and the specified target 140 may be any formof traditional impact surface for shooting upon which the light signal122 can project. In certain optional embodiments, the light signals 122may produce projections using non-visible and/or visible light (e.g., aninfrared laser light, ultra-violet (UV) laser light, or the like) andthe specified target 140 may include a specially coated reactive impactsurface which is configured to react with the laser energy to displaythe object. This type of projection method uses a substance or surfaceluminescence reaction which displays the object in response to the lightsignal. The object may remain visible for at least a period of timeafter the laser is turned off and may gradually or quickly fade awayonce the light signal is removed. The specially coated reactive impactsurface may utilize reversible or non-reversible photochromic orthermochromic response methodologies which react to the light signal 122such as, for example, photoreactive paint, thermoactivated paint, or thelike. This optional embodiment may have several advantages in certainsettings, such as low light and bright daylight training settings asvisible light can optionally be avoided. The optional embodiment, usingtemporary/reversible photochromic and thermochromic response ofsubstances on target surfaces allows for the generation of “white lightonly” visible projections using invisible laser light. This embodimentcreates a dynamic visual stimuli (using the same NURO system of DOE andlow power laser) with projections that are either only visible withwhite light or only visible using night vision devices, or in certainembodiments using the right substance combination, visible with eitherwhite light or night vision devices but NOT visible un-aided to thenaked eye with the ambient light present in the low-light trainingenvironment. The advantage to the photochromic and thermochromicapplication is that low-light aids, be it white light, IR-based nightvision devices, or thermal night vision devices can all work to show theobject, whereas the naked eye will not work. Accordingly, a value hereis in forcing the student to practice using these low light tools.

The device of FIG. 2 further implements diffractive optical elements 121(e.g., beam splitters) and may generate simple symmetrical orasymmetrical shape outlines 141 (e.g., triangles, squares, circles,guns, knives, bombs, badges, hands, silhouettes) via the emitted lightsignals 122, wherein object recognition components of the user's visualsystem are also stimulated. Referring to FIG. 11 , an exemplaryembodiment of a shape outline (namely a hand) generated using the DOE121 is illustrated. The various shape outlines may also be generatedwith corresponding color-coded or modulated laser projection outputs.Programmed target stimulus arrangements may be implemented wherein adefined meaning is attributed to colors and shapes, or combinations ofcolors and shapes. A device including such diffractive optical elementscan be used to stimulate partial object reconstruction neural circuitryand processing centers through, e.g., the partial blocking ofprojections at the source, the use of specially designed partial objectprojection DOEs, or even through the use of overlaid projections thatconfuse and/or interfere with each other, requiring the trainee's brainto sort the clutter and process the object(s) presented.

Generally stated, such systems in various embodiments as disclosedherein may provide administrative users (e.g., instructors) the abilityto create dynamic extended reality environments where individual targetswith controlled laser projections thereon (such target/dynamicprojection combinations also being referred to herein as “subjects”)have the ability to interact dynamically with both a subject-engaging(e.g., trainee) user and the environment. In this context, a subject ortarget is no longer simply defined using a static stimulus, such as afirearm or knife being stapled to it or painted on it, but the system asdisclosed herein enables the generation and application previouslydisplayed relevant stimuli, current stimuli, and future stimuli, all ofwhich can be different.

In various embodiments, these stimuli can be pre-programmed on a timesequence, or manually manipulated by instructors, enabling low-cost“smart” targetry that actually interacts with trainees in real time.This ability to provide dynamic stimuli allows instructors to createenvironments where trainees must evaluate a subject and respondappropriately based on a totality of environmental factors as well asindividual subject behavior.

Certain embodiments as further discussed below may further includesoftware applications allowing remote instructor control of deviceprojections as well as engagement assessment tools and accompanyingprocessing software that will provide the ability for pre-programmedsmart targetry that interacts with trainees based on their behavior orskill performance. For example, a determinative deadly force stimuluscould be set to remain displayed until a defined number of rounds arefired with a defined standard of accuracy, or until a defined number ofrounds are successfully fired into a “failure” area of a target/subject.

The device 120 of FIG. 1 or 2 may be generally characterized asportable, in that in various embodiments it is configured for selectivemounting in a suitable location within a defined area containing theassigned targets, and arranged so that emitted light is directed to thetargets or assigned areas thereof. The devices may preferably bedetachable from a first given location and easily mounted in a secondlocation as desired for a given training scenario.

Each device 120 may accordingly include a device controller configuredto direct the projection of light from one or more of the laser sourcesaccording to a programmed target stimulus arrangement. The devicecontroller may include circuitry mounted on a printed circuit boardshared with some or all of the laser sources and other internal devicecomponents. In an embodiment, the programmed target stimulus arrangementmay be fixed for a given device, but the device may also be enabled forselection from among multiple different arrangements. For example, thedevice may be provided with a manual interface for user selection at thedevice. The device may further include a network interface circuit ortransceiver, such as for example a wireless communications module, forestablishing or joining a communications network.

In various embodiments, an array of devices 120 as disclosed herein are(alone or considered as a networked array) entirely user programmableand controllable. While this functionality is not necessary for use ofthe device (the simplest operational mode requires only a single buttonuser interface with no programming, as further described below), everyoutput on the device can ultimately be controlled by the user andprogrammed into a virtually unlimited number of configurations. Thisspecifically includes the ability to program an array of wirelesslynetworked devices to act in concert. Instructors can also manuallycontrol a device with tactile-based external buttons, either with singledevice or with multiple, wirelessly linked devices equating to low-costand highly effective “smart” interactive targetry that creates aforensic record of the “actions” taken by the subject(s) and thetimeline on which they occurred.

In another embodiment, a separate “master” controller 112 may beprovided that may be communicatively linked to one or more of thedevices 120 to facilitate complex training scenarios and/or settings.The master controller may for example be provided in association with auser computing device 110 (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, or dedicatedcontrol module) which further includes a display unit 114. The mastercontroller in such an embodiment may preferably be capable of selecting,linking, and/or otherwise defining a group including one or more of theportable devices 120 in an area for a desired training scenario, andfurther capable of selecting or programming a target stimulusarrangement to be performed by the group of devices.

In a network of devices 120 as described above, commonly linked to amaster controller 110 associated with the network, all data maygenerally be transmitted to and from the master controller. Networkeddevices may select (or have selected) and execute a programmed targetstimulus arrangement via internal programming, or can be operatedmanually in a handheld setting (e.g., multiple instructors manuallycreating “smart” interactive targetry).

As shown in FIG. 3 , an exemplary portable device 120 as disclosedherein may comprise a housing 124 within which is disposed theaforementioned printed circuit board, laser sources, diffractive opticalelements, and controller. The housing may preferably be designed forconsistent use in harsh training conditions, and to be implemented bothindoors and outdoors in virtually all seasons and weather conditions. Incertain embodiments, the housing may comprise a weather-proof,UV-resistant outer shell and a robust, industrial-strength design thatis intended to provide years of service in standard firearms trainingenvironments including heat, cold, sunlight, sweat, dust, and rain,where people are for example actually required to train for combat—notjust carefully lit and climate-controlled training facilities.

The housing may include one or more apertures 130 corresponding to adefined light path for light emitted from the laser sources. An optionaldisplay unit 126 may for example enable displaying of a current targetstimulus arrangement and/or device group, wherein one or more actuatorssuch as buttons 128 may be implemented as a manual user interface forselection from among the various programmed target stimulusarrangements. The buttons and display unit may also be implemented to,e.g., select and/or display a unique identifier for the respectivedevice that can be identified by master controllers in sufficientproximity.

Each of the one or more apertures 130 may be configured to receive theapparatus 132 of FIG. 7 . The apparatus includes an open end 133.Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, views of an example of a diffractiveoptical element (DOE) housing 134 are illustrated. The DOE housing isconfigured to be received by one of the open end of the apparatus 132 orone of the one or more apertures 130 of the portable device 120. The DOEhousing is configured to receive the DOE 121.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the DOE 121 is shown in greater detail. The DOEhousing 134 may be configured to receive a DOE lens 136. In certainoptional embodiments, the DOE housing includes a rotating bezel. Inadditional optional embodiments, the DOE housing may include optimalperformance information inscribed thereon (e.g., a visual indicator ofthe image to be projected, an optimal display distance, etc.).

Referring next to FIG. 4 , an exemplary arrangement of devices 120(e.g., 120 a, 120 b, etc.) and associated targets 140 (e.g., 140 a, 140b, etc.) is illustrated for a defined area. As previously noted, eachdevice may be individually programmed or actuated to generate a desiredtraining scenario, or a group of devices may be collectively programmedor actuated. In FIG. 5 , a first master controller 110 a and a secondmaster controller 110 b are present in the defined area, wherein eachcontroller has identified and effectively linked a plurality of thedevices 120 to further define first and second groups 142 a and 142 b,respectively.

In one example, the master controller 110 may identify a plurality ofavailable devices 120 in a defined area, responsive to a user-initiatedquery. The user may subsequently identify one or more of the availabledevices for implementation in a desired target projection scenario.Alternatively, the master controller may be responsive to user selectionof a target projection setting having one or more required projectioncomponents, to automatically link to one or more of the plurality ofavailable portable devices in association with the target projectionsetting. In certain contexts where a desired scenario requires one ormore specific target projection components (e.g., mobile targets,specific projection shapes), the master controller may further identifyavailable devices having the respective capabilities, and automaticallyselect a group of such devices matching the user-selected oruser-programmed scenario or enable manual selection by the user uponvisually presenting the identified available devices for example inassociation with the matched capabilities/requirements.

Such embodiments, wherein a plurality of portable light projectiondevices is distributed about a defined area including a plurality ofthree-dimensional targets (and targets, three-dimensional or otherwise,as may be arranged in three-dimensional configurations), demonstrateanother advantage with respect to conventional tools, including even themost advanced video projection training tools. Two-dimensional screenprojections are inherently feature-based in nature and are very limitedin their ability to stimulate spatial attention processing. Flat screenssimply do not involve three-dimensional spatial arrangements andrelationships, whereas systems and methods as disclosed hereinfacilitate addressing these contextual training system requirements. Aspreviously noted, these consist of not only the broader situationalcontext that impacts cognitive decision-making, but also the morefundamental contextual matters that impact unconscious sensory signalprocessing, to include scene layout and spatial attention. For example,a “one for one” projector to target ratio can be combined withnetworking functionality to create dynamic visual stimuli, whichfacilitates the application of cognitively-driven contextual processingduring decision-making, and the simple, cost-effective creation ofenvironments that are both multi-directional and threedimensional-thereby requiring use of the unconscious contextualprocessing functions related to scene layout.

One of skill in the art may further appreciate that most professionalsettings demand an empirical measurement (qualification) of skillperformance. While not always required in non-professional settings, aninability to empirically measure performance limits an individual'sability to track and document progress in skillset development. Thislimitation often has a significantly negative impact on trainees'long-term skillsets and performance potential. Accordingly, variousembodiments of a training system as disclosed herein, especially forapplications implemented by armed professionals, may be configured tocollect relevant data, and facilitate measurement, management, goalsetting, and progress tracking. Importantly, such embodiments mayfacilitate potential performance evaluations (qualification) involvingmeasurement (after training) of the performance capability of the samephysical, neurological and physiological mechanisms that are involved injob performance, at scale and in a cost-effective manner. Traditionalmethods of visual stimulus projection (and complex scenario generation)do not provide deterministic stimuli indicating the necessity for skillperformance, and therefore do not possess the capability of empiricallymeasuring such performance. In contrast, a system as disclosed hereingenerates a dynamic (i.e., both appearing and disappearing),deterministic, and determinative stimulus, thereby facilitatingempirical measurement of performance, to include decision-making,initiation, and cessation of skill performance (de-escalation of force).

Referring next to FIG. 6 , in an embodiment an array of sensors 150 mayoptionally further be provided in association with a given user forshooter isolation in the context of a selected training scenario. Forexample, the sensor array may be implemented such that only shots by aspecified shooter are identified and recorded by an associated devicewith respect to a training scenario for use in public ranges andqualification settings. A sensor array may be provided in a singlehousing or may be distributed in nature, and may for example include anaccelerometer 152 and an audio input module 154 such as may include amicrophone. The sensor array may for example be mounted to the wrist orarm of a user, to the firearm in use, or otherwise in a manner readilyassociated with the user during performance for isolation purposes, andimplementation of both the accelerometer and a microphone mayeffectively reduce false positive determinations through the dual-inputconfiguration.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , a first sensor 150 a may be associated with afirst shooter 160 a and a second sensor 150 b may be associated with asecond shooter 160 b. The first shooter 160 a may be shooting at a firsttarget 140 a associated with a first device 120 a. The second shooter160 b may be shooting at a second target 140 b associated with anarrangement of devices 120 (e.g., a first device 120 a and a seconddevice 120 b).

One or more audio output modules may also be provided, capable ofproviding for example a buzzer, siren, verbal commands, or othersuitable audible stimuli to a user in training environments, which canbe set for a variety of patterns and timeframes and even for exampleduring live fire settings. Accordingly, the above-referenced projectionschema and the networkability of the platform not only facilitates thecreation of device arrays (or multiple device arrays), whereininstructors can easily use the platform to create actual backgroundscene layout, but this capability further includes combining dynamicvisual stimuli and dynamic audible stimuli.

One or more of the aforementioned sensors may be provided in theportable devices instead of, or in addition to, the sensor housing. Inan embodiment, each device 120 includes the audio output modules 162 anddevice controllers 164 networked thereto may be configured to direct theprojection of light from one or more of the one or more laser sourcesand of audible signals from the audio outputs according to theprogrammed target stimulus arrangement. In another and potentially morecomplex example, integrated system modules including speakers may bemounted at individual target stations to provide the directional stimulias well as the desired content stimuli, as may be controllable viacommands from a master controller for a given target stimulusarrangement.

Because various embodiments of a system as disclosed herein are based ondistributed and networked modules associated with each “subject” ortarget, rather on a centralized projection component, such systemsprovide instructors the capability of creating truly three-dimensionalenvironments, thereby generating spatial-awareness-related signalprocessing in trainees. The above-referenced optional capability toprovide unique audio output with every device, through use of, forexample, a programmable buzzer, allows instructors and individuals toeasily create environments that are both visually and audibly dynamic inthree-dimensional configurations.

In an embodiment, the master controller may be configured to determineuser performance at least partially by receiving shooting feedback, shotsplits, etc., and tying a trainee's physical actions directly tospecific audio outputs and dynamic visual stimuli (e.g., controlledoptically projected light against 2D or 3D targets in a defined area)according to the programmed target stimulus arrangement, for examplewith audio inputs corresponding to a particular firearm. Specificstimuli and combinations of stimuli can be created and trackedforensically as discreet events in a timeline, including audible stimuligenerated by a specific projection device. Therefore, since specificstimuli can be predictably produced and forensically documented, theability of the trainee to recognize a specific stimulus (and theneurological functions necessary to do so) can be both exercised andempirically measured. This facilitates the development of consistent,definable, and empirical standards of performance when combined withdefined standards of accuracy, and without a requirement to develop orproduce defined or consistent sets of stimuli or a consistent course offire. This further may effectively eliminate the unintended negativeeffects of current measurement methods, wherein for example armedprofessionals become accustomed to performing defined skill sequenceswithout the involvement of stimulus receipt or evaluation, ongoinginformation processing, or decision-making.

In an embodiment, a system as disclosed herein can be configured forempirical measurement not only of responses by the user to determinativestimuli as events recorded in a timeline, but also of the firearms-baseduse of force skill application, including response times for escalationand de-escalation of force in a scalable platform that is suitable forinstitutional qualification use. Application of force can be prioritizedbased on the environment, terrain, and threat action/behavior via acombination of visual and audible stimuli.

In an embodiment, the system is capable of empirically measuring andtracking a trainee's response times, both for applying deadly force andfor ceasing to apply deadly force in response to visual stimuli, notjust within an individual scenario but also, using data tracking andanalysis tools, throughout an individual's entire operational lifecycleif desired.

One of skill in the art may appreciate that various environmentalconsiderations (e.g., noise, weather) can make it difficult forinstructors or individual shooters to capture data for analysis andtracking. To help address these concerns, embodiments of a system asdisclosed herein may be configured for the optional storage of userperformance data during training while in both single device and arraymodes. This data can either be recalled on the device itself ordownloaded later to a computer for easier analysis and application. Forexample, a tablet-based application may be implemented for qualificationuse, where all relevant data (including shooter identification andaccuracy/shooting scores) can be stored directly on the tablet oruploaded to a cloud-based system. When set up by the user, all relevantinformation (as defined by the user) from each device or array will beautomatically transferred to the user's medium of choice for long-termstorage and/or analysis.

The master controller may further preferably be configured todynamically modify the programmed target stimulus arrangement uponcomparing the determined user performance with one or more targetparameters associated with the user performance. For example, the systemmay assign difficulty levels to different target stimulus arrangements,wherein a particular arrangement can be selected before (or perhapsduring) a given training scenario based on the determined performance ofthe user. As another example, the system may track the user's movementsas well as shooting performance, and accordingly modify the locationsand/or sequence of subjects to be engaged by the user during a givenscenario.

In an embodiment, the placement of projections in relation to atarget-engaging user (e.g., trainee) may be varied by an administrativeuser (e.g., instructors) to effectively stimulate both central andperipheral vision. System-integrated mobile target platforms may furtherbe implemented for stimulating blindsight sensory functions.

In an embodiment, the display unit of the master controller may furtherbe configured as a user interface which displays indicia correspondingto the determined user performance, and also further enables userselection of one or more modifications to the programmed target stimulusarrangement based on the determined user performance. For example, theuser may elect to repeat or skip certain portions or aspects of aprogrammed target stimulus arrangement, or to cause the arrangement tobe sped up or slowed down, etc.

Although several of the above-referenced functions are described withrespect to a master controller, in various embodiments of the inventionit may be contemplated that a separate server or computing device may beconfigured to perform certain functions as part of a distributedperformance qualification system. For example, a server may be linked toeach of a plurality of master controllers associated with a defined areaor with specific users, wherein the server receives data from the mastercontrollers corresponding to a specific training scenario, the devicesand targets involved, and an identity of the shooter, and the serverfurther receives and aggregates feedback from the various data sourcesfor user performance determination. The server may transmit userperformance data to a master controller or other local devices forsubsequent analysis or even intervention in real time such as dynamicuser modification of the training scenario. The server may furthermerely direct the user performance data to be stored and potentiallyaggregated with respect to the user, the location, or various otherparameters as may be useful for downstream analysis and potentiallyfuture generation of training scenarios.

An embodiment of a system and method as disclosed herein enables remoteinstructor control of targetry via, e.g., an associated computing devicesuch as a tablet which may be linked to the above-referenced server forinteractive “smart” targetry in team settings. Where the systemimplements body- or weapon-mounted sensor arrays to isolate individualshooter performance, the empirical assessment of individual shooterskill performance may also be facilitated in team-based tacticalsettings.

As previously noted, various versions and/or difficulty levels ofprogrammable target stimulus arrangements may be available, or evenuser-determinable in dynamic fashion. In various embodiments a hostedweb-based or equivalent application may interface with user computingdevices to enable transactions including the selection and downloadingof arrangements, including new pre-developed scenarios/programs (alongwith expected performance data and training aids) for a variety ofdifferent training applications and user needs.

At a relatively basic level, an embodiment of a single projection deviceas disclosed herein can function as a highly reliable (and weatherresistant) shot timer with either audible or visual stimuli, includingthe capacity for setting simple par sets. It also may be provided withan individual training mode, consisting of “hard-wired” scenarios wherea single button push is the only user interface required to providerandom visual stimuli equating to skill building and tactical scenarios.It can also be used for example as an entry level training tool forinstructors to manually generate variable visual stimuli for students.

The previous detailed description has been provided for the purposes ofillustration and description. Although there have been describedparticular embodiments of a new and useful invention, it is not intendedthat such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of thisinvention except as set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm training system for selectivelygenerating images onto external target elements, comprising: one or morespecified target elements each having impact surfaces at least partiallycoated with a photochromic or thermochromic substance; one or moreportable devices selectively mounted with respect to selected ones ofthe external target elements, each comprising: a housing accommodatingand configured for optical projection of non-visible light from one ormore laser sources and one or more diffractive optical elements, one ormore audio outputs, and a device controller configured to direct aprojection of light from one or more of the one or more laser sources,and further to direct audible signals from the one or more audiooutputs, according to a programmed target stimulus arrangement, whereinthe at least partially coated impact surfaces of the one or morespecified target elements are configured to undergo one or more of aphotochromic reaction and a thermochromic reaction with the projectedlight to display the programmed target stimulus.
 2. The firearm trainingsystem of claim 1, further comprising: a master controllercommunicatively linked to the one or more portable devices, andconfigured to transmit the programmed target stimulus arrangementthereto.
 3. The firearm training system of claim 2, wherein: the one ormore portable devices comprise a plurality of portable devices in adefined array, each of the plurality of portable devices identified as acomponent of the programmed target stimulus arrangement and configuredto direct the projection of light accordingly.
 4. The firearm trainingsystem of claim 2, wherein: the master controller is configured toselectively link to one or more of a plurality of portable devicesassociated with a defined target area, and to further selectivelytransmit the programmed target stimulus arrangement to the linkedportable devices.
 5. The firearm training system of claim 4, wherein:the master controller is configured, responsive to user selection of atarget projection setting having one or more required projectioncomponents, to link to one or more available portable devices of theplurality of portable devices in association with the target projectionsetting.
 6. The firearm training system of claim 4, wherein: the mastercontroller is configured to identify one or more available portabledevices of the plurality of portable devices, and to further select oneor more of the available portable devices based at least in part onrequired projection components of the programmed target stimulusarrangement.
 7. The firearm training system of claim 1, furthercomprising: one or more sensors each having a microphone and anaccelerometer and communicatively linked to the master controller,wherein the master controller is configured to determine userperformance at least partially by correlating audio outputs andoptically projected light according to the programmed target stimulusarrangement with at least one of audio inputs or accelerometer inputscorresponding to a particular firearm.
 8. The firearm training system ofclaim 7, wherein: the master controller is configured to dynamicallymodify the programmed target stimulus arrangement upon comparing thedetermined user performance with one or more target parametersassociated with the user performance.
 9. The firearm training system ofclaim 7, wherein: the master controller comprises a user interfaceconfigured to display indicia corresponding to the determined userperformance, and further configured to enable user selection of one ormore modifications to the programmed target stimulus arrangement basedon the determined user performance.